gs of guilt he is experiencing. Hale overcomes his turmoil by following the truth he knows in his heart to be right. Yet, he is counseling people to “prevail upon your husband to confess” (132) and says, “God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride” (132). He also convinces people to lie, which is against his religion and considered a moral sin. Nevertheless, he decides that earthly life is a greater gift than eternal life. Reverend Hale faces with many difficult decisions. The decisions of Reverend Hale are similar to many people’s decisions.Everybody throughout his life may face inner conflicts. Although the inner conflicts of today are nothing like what Mary Warren, John Proctor, and Reverend Hale face during this play, they are forced to make a decision based on what they think is right and true. Should they let innocent people die to save themselves, or should they allow their own persecution by denouncing the proceedings and possibly have a chance of saving some of the innocent, is the question they must ask themselves. These three characters probably face the most difficult decision they have ever made in their lives. They must weigh their choices carefully and decide where they stand. Deciding where they stand is not as easy of a task, as it may seem. Mary Warren who feels burdened with this truth and knowledge but is scared of what might happen if she speaks. Ultimately, she comes to the decision to choose life with turmoil over death. This is also seen in John Proctor who is forced to choose between his good name that accompanies death or a life with sorrow and turmoil. He decides that he would rather die a young man with a good name than an old man with a soiled name. Similarly, Reverend Hale must make a decision between inner life turmoil with the relief of helping some innocent or the choice of death knowing that he has aided this hysteria in forming. He, like John Procto...
